Amber Heard and former husband Johnny Depp officially called it quits in May, but their divorce proceedings ended earlier this week. The couple settled for a whopping $7 million, all of which Heard plans to donate.
Surprisingly enough, this sum isn’t unheard of. According to the documentary Divorce Corp, the divorce industry costs divorcing couples and taxpayers a staggering $50 billion. For context, credit card fraud only costs the U.S. about $8 billion annually.
However, what’s more surprising is that Heard is donating her settlement money.
Previously thought to have alleged domestic abuse for monetary gain in the divorce, Heard has effectively silenced all who may have previously thought that with her donation announcement.
In June, People reported that Heard withdrew her request for temporary spousal support from Depp. When asked for comment, Heard reported that she felt asking for financial assistance from Depp was being “used against me to distract and divert the public away from the very serious real issue of domestic violence.”
Since Heard’s announcement, some have stepped forth to offer continued supports, while others doubt her claims.
However, Heard does have a successful career, although her resume is considerably smaller than Depp’s.
Heard is worth approximately $9 billion, and as a successful actress, she has been able to create a life just as comfortable as her former husband’s.
Divorce can devastate finances, but both parties, in this case, appear to have undergone the process without any major scathing.
Heard’s claims of domestic violence are still claims, but some have said that refusing to acknowledge those claims is only making it more difficult for other victims of domestic violence to come forward.
According to the CDC, nearly 50% of all women and men in the U.S. will experience psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
Though it may seem difficult to believe that an esteemed actor like Depp could be abusive as a partner, countless domestic violence advocates are urging individuals not to discount Heard’s claims.
She hasn’t specified which charity will receive the $7 Million, but regardless, the selfless act has millions in awe.